Hormones are important chemicals in the body that send messages between different cells and organs. The organs that produce hormones are collectively known as the endocrine system. These include such organs as the thyroid, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs. For this discussion, we will be focusing on reproductive hormones.

Our reproductive hormones exist in a delicate balance within our bodies. Our body tends to not prioritize our reproductive function, so these hormones are often the first thing to be disrupted when our health begins to slide. This can be happening without us being really aware of it. Maybe we just haven't been eating the best foods lately, or maybe we have just been a little extra stressed. In these situations, unbeknownst to us, our health begins to slide and our hormones become imbalanced. Check out the list below to see if you may have a hormone imbalance.

Signs of Imbalanced Hormones

irregular menses

heavy menstrual flow

painful periods

breakouts around your cycle

mood swings around your cycle

weight gain

bloating

breast tenderness

trouble sleeping

I find the best approach to balancing the hormones is to give the body what it needs to produce hormones at the right time. If you think your hormones are imbalanced, I highly recommend you consult with a doctor, but a simple change in your diet regimen may help in the meantime. Check it out:

Seed Cycling

Seed cycling is the addition of certain seeds and their fatty acids during certain phases of the month to promote a healthy fluctuation in hormones.

Phase 1: Follicular Phase

The follicular phase is day 1-14 of your cycle, where day 1 is the first day of bleeding. Estrogen in the dominant hormone during this phase. Each day, do the following:

Eat 1 TBSP of organic, raw, ground flaxseeds

Eat 1 TBSP of organic, raw, ground pumpkin seeds

Flaxseeds contain lignans that help modulate the activity of estrogen, while pumpkin seeds contain minerals to support the production of progesterone.

Phase 2: Luteal Phase

The luteal phase is day 15-28 of your cycle. During this phase, your body is shifting to produce progesterone. Each day, do the following:

Eat 1 TBSP of organic, raw, ground sesame seeds

Eat 1 TBSP of organic, raw, ground sunflower seeds

These seeds also help to modulate estrogen. They also contain minerals that help the liver detoxify hormones.

Notes

Add your ground seeds to smoothies, salads, soups, oatmeal or sprinkled on veggies and other grains.

You may experience improvements after the first month, but most changes aren't seen until after 3-4 months of seed cycling.

If your cycle is completely irregular, follow the moon cycle instead of your cycle. Day 1 will be the new moon and day 15 will be the full moon.

This is also a great protocol to prevent imbalance in your hormones if you currently have a healthy menstrual cycle.

Other treatments may be necessary to restore a healthy menstrual cycle and balance hormones. Talk to your doctor about what is best for you.

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I'm Dr. Carly and my mission is to create a health revolution. I believe that another prescription is not the answer. I believe in using natural therapies that go beyond the symptoms. And I believe that doctors should spend way more than 7 minutes with a patient.

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This website is made for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your doctor or other health care professional. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with a doctor before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem.